A sponsor can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are some definitions:
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Religious context: In a religious context, a sponsor is someone who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the persons religious education or spiritual welfare.
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Recovery context: In a recovery context, a sponsor is a senior member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) who has been in recovery for at least a year. Sponsors help newcomers navigate membership, answer questions, work on the 12-steps, and offer accountability. They are also a confidant who understands where the newcomer has been and can provide guidance and support.
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Business context: In a business context, a sponsor can refer to a range of individuals or entities that support the goals and objectives of some other individual or organization. For instance, sponsors can invest in private offerings, provide underwriting for a stock, mutual fund, or exchange-traded fund offering, or provide benefits for employees.
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General context: In general, a sponsor is a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity, especially one that pays the cost of a radio or television program usually in return for advertising time during its course.
In summary, a sponsor can refer to someone who provides support, guidance, and accountability in a recovery context, or to a person or organization that provides financial or other support for a project or activity.
